How is lordosis diagnosed?
Lordosis is diagnosed based on a history and physical exam. To diagnose lordosis, a doctor will take the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. The medical history will cover such issues as when the excessive curve became noticeable, if it is getting worse and whether the amount of the curve seems to change. During the examination, the patient will be asked to bend forward and to the side to see whether the curve is flexible or fixed, how much range of motion the patient has and if the spine is aligned properly. The doctor may feel the spine, checking for abnormalities. The doctor may order a neurological assessment if the person is having pain, tingling, numbness, muscle spasms or weakness, sensations in his or her arms or legs or changes in bowel or bladder control. Other tests may be ordered, including X-rays of the spine as a whole and the lower back where the spine joins the pelvis.
